A New Chapter in Pediatric Healthcare: The Return of Local Medical Graduates
Transforming Healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley
In a remarkable tale of dedication and destiny, three medical professionals—Dr. Roberto Solis, Dr. Roxana Mohhebali-Solis, and Dr. Pompeyo Quesada—are set to revolutionize pediatric healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley. Having met over a decade ago at Texas Tech’s School of Medicine in El Paso, this trio has embarked on a mission that brings them back to their roots, promising to fill essential healthcare gaps in their community.
Their Journey: From Medical School to Community Leaders
Roberto, Roxana, and Pompeyo forged their paths in medicine under the same roof, with Roberto and Pompeyo rooming together during their medical studies. It was during this formative time that Roberto and Roxana’s friendship blossomed into a marriage, strengthening their commitment to both each other and their careers.
After completing their medical degrees, the trio pursued various specializations across the country, with Roberto in California and Pompeyo in Kansas, while Roxana headed to Tennessee to train as an OB-GYN. While their initial aspirations pointed in different directions, Roberto and Pompeyo found their passion aligned in a unique and demanding field: Pediatric Otolaryngology, or ENT.
The Rare But Rewarding Specialty of Pediatric Otolaryngology
Pediatric Otolaryngology is a specialized branch within ear, nose, and throat medicine focused on treating younger patients. Roberto described this area of medicine as notably rare, emphasizing that each year, only around 350 physicians carve out this specialty, with merely 30 focusing specifically on pediatric care. Initially hesitant about surgery, Roberto and Pompeyo discovered the artistry and precision required in this field, which ultimately drew them in.
Roberto’s fascination with the complexities of ENT and Pompeyo’s newfound interest after a research stint at MD Anderson solidified their decision. The duo is now poised to introduce one of the region’s first dedicated pediatric ENT services at Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, while Roxana leads the OB-GYN residency program at DHR Health.
A Return to Their Roots: Addressing Local Healthcare Needs
Although their medical training took them far from home, the trio never lost sight of their desire to serve a border community like the one they grew up in. "Having lived in El Paso, we always felt a pull toward returning to a town where we could make a difference," said Roberto.
Roxana, who hails from Colombia, echoed this sentiment, stating that her goal was to work in an area with a predominantly Hispanic population to effectively tackle health disparities. She feels a strong connection to the community, a sentiment that solidified when the trio discovered a newly constructed Driscoll Children’s Hospital adjacent to DHR Health during a visit to family over the holidays. The two institutions’ proximity ignited their vision to collaborate, compelling Roberto to reach out to Driscoll.
Building a Beacon of Hope in Healthcare
The trio’s dedication goes beyond mere convenience; it symbolizes their commitment to providing high-quality care in a region that often faces healthcare shortages. As Roberto humorously asked Pompeyo to join him in this endeavor, Pompeyo initially viewed it as yet another ambitious idea from his longtime friend. However, as plans turned serious, an exciting new venture emerged.
Their new clinic, set to open on September 16, will be known as Pediatric Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Both Roberto and Pompeyo aim to deliver comprehensive care comparable to bigger metropolitan areas in Texas. Special initiatives will include:
- Cochlear implant programs for children experiencing severe hearing loss.
- A narrow digestive program focusing on airway reconstruction.
- A thyroid program and cleft lip and palate surgeries.
"It doesn’t feel like a job; it feels like a calling," Roberto remarked, reflecting the passion and purpose behind their return to the Valley.
Collaboration and Growth: Roxana’s Role at DHR Health
Roxana’s leadership at DHR Health is pivotal to the initiative, as she takes on the role of assistant program director for the OB-GYN residency program. This position is typically reserved for seasoned professionals, making her accomplishments noteworthy. Her focus extends beyond education to address critical issues like high cervical cancer rates in the region.
“As soon as I started touring the hospital and meeting the staff, it felt like home,” Roxana expressed. Her enthusiasm reflects a shared vision among the trio—not just to create individual success but to uplift the local healthcare landscape together.
Conclusion: A Unified Approach to Community Health
With all three doctors establishing their practices in the Rio Grande Valley, they are working collectively to create a robust healthcare framework that meets community needs. The synergy of their specializations—ENT and OB-GYN—offers patients comprehensive resources within their local environment, further enhancing the region’s healthcare offerings.
In summary, the return of Dr. Roberto Solis, Dr. Roxana Mohhebali-Solis, and Dr. Pompeyo Quesada is not merely a homecoming. It signifies a crucial transformation in healthcare, promising to deliver specialized pediatric services that are both accessible and of the highest quality. Their commitment to enriching health outcomes in the Valley demonstrates a profound understanding of the healthcare challenges facing their community and the desire to change lives for the better.
For further details on pediatric healthcare services in the Rio Grande Valley, you can visit DHR Health and Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
